The Big E 2024: tickets, dates and everything you need to know

New England's largest fall fair returns in September with rides, live music performances, fun food and more.

Thursday September 5 2024

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State fairs started in New York in the nineteenth century as a way to promote the state's agriculture and artisans. Now, many fairs happen across the country in August and September incorporating food, music, rides and exhibitions. The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast, and the ninth largest in North America. With the 2024 event set to begin in September, here’s everything you need to know.

What is The Big E?

The Big E takes place in West Springfield, Mass., and is the largest fair on the east coast, representing all the New England states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. There are agricultural exhibits and competitions, rides and amusement park games, musical performances, parades and plenty of fair food. Originally known as the Eastern States Exposition, the fair began in 1916, and officially rebranded as The Big E in 1966.

When is The Big E 2024?

The Big E runs September 13-29, 2024.

How much are tickets to The Big E?

Ticket prices vary for this year’s fair. Advance tickets purchased online before September 11 are $16 per adult and $10 per child age 6–12 (kids 5 and under are always free). At the gate, adults are $20 and children age 6–12 are $12. Season passes for all 17 days are $70 for adults and $35 for kids age 6–12. Active military and veterans get free admission with ID on September 13. Seniors age 60 and over are $16 every Sunday–Thursday. On Sundays– Thursdays after 5pm, entry fees are $11.

Tickets to headliners at The Big E Arena must be purchased separately and range from $39 to $69, but also include admission to the fair for the day of the show. The rides at Midway require separate tickets starting at 50 cents, or you can get a pay-one-price magic pass for $30–$35. Express ride passes are $15 extra.

How do I get to The Big E 2024?

The Big E is located at 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089. Parking is available at Gate 9 for $10 for cars and $5 for motorcycles (cash only). Bicycles can park for free. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are free shuttles available from Springfield’s Union Station. You can also take the train to The Big E from several points in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

What is the music lineup for The Big E 2024?

The Big E includes three stages of music, two of which are free. The headlining performances for 2024 at The Big E Arena include Ludacris, Diplo, Public Enemy and Big Time Rush. Ticket prices range from $39 to $69. Check out the full lineup here.

What foods are at The Big E 2024?

When it comes to fair food, The Big E does not disappoint. Like most state fairs, expect to see lots of fried foods, bakery items and trendy treats. Some of the new foods available at The Big E 2024 include deep-fried deviled eggs, pickle fries, flavored cheese curds (think Cajun, pickle or ranch), margaritas topped with cotton candy, deep-fried ice cream sandwiches, Dole whips, Korean corn dogs and mochinuts. Check out the entire tasty lineup.

What are some things to do at The Big E 2024?

There are plenty of ways to stay entertained at The Big E this year. Check out replicas of each state’s original state house, learn about history, and explore their iconic foods and products (think Vermont cheese and Massachusetts cranberries) at the Avenue of States. The ESE Museum walks through the history of the Eastern States Expo and features memorabilia from the nearly 110-year history of the fair.

Head to Midway for the amusement park rides and fair games, including the 150-foot Sky High Super Wheel.

The Big Parade happens daily at 6pm with marching bands, custom floats, vintage vehicles, Clydesdale horses and more.

For kids and kids at heart, there are three Circus Spectacular performances each day at 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm featuring trapeze artists, jugglers, and clowns. Bleacher seats are free, ringside box seats are $10 each.

Dolly’s Honky Tonk brings a taste of Nashville to New England with rope trick displays, live music, line dancing and a mechanical bull.

Love classic cars? Be sure to mark your calendar for September 17 4-8pm when Collector Car Live is happening. Apply to show your car or just come and explore.

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day happens September 13-15 with a series of Ireland-themed events featuring traditional Irish dance, music, and more for free across the fair.

The agricultural portion of The Big E stays true to its roots with events like livestock evaluations, produce judging, and 4-H demonstrations. Get the full ag schedule here.